Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20260107)

RAKBANK Receives In-Principle Approval to Launch a Dirham-Backed Stablecoin (RAKBANK)

RAKBANK became the latest United Arab Emirates (UAE) bank to received in‑principle approval from the central bank to issue a fully reserved, 1:1 Dirham-backed stablecoin. Al Maryah Community Bank secured in-principle approval in October 2024 and full licensing in December 2024 for its AE Coin, and Zand (an “AI-powered bank) received full approval in November 2025 for its Zand AED stablecoin. The Central Bank of the UAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation restricts payment tokens to Dirham-backed or specifically approved fiat-referenced stablecoins for onshore payments, effectively steering merchant crypto acceptance toward Dirham stablecoins. In parallel, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has finalized Version 2.0 of its activity-based rulebooks, including requirements for fiat‑referenced stablecoins issued by Dubai‑incorporated virtual asset service providers, creating a distinct but complementary regime for Dubai and its free zones. [Source: RAKBANK via Zaya.com]

Lloyds and Archax Complete UK’s First Public Blockchain Transaction Using Tokenised Deposits (Lloyds)

Lloyds Banking Group has completed the United Kingdom’s first public blockchain transaction using tokenized deposits. The transaction involved Lloyds issuing tokenised deposits on the Canton Network (a public blockchain for regulated financial markets) to purchase a tokenised Gilt from Archax, demonstrating how traditional banking can integrate with blockchain technology. Lloyds believes that this innovation offers businesses key benefits including instant settlement, the ability to earn interest while maintaining regulatory protections, access to wider securities trading, automated smart contracts, and enhanced transparency—all while preserving the security of traditional deposits under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. [Source: Lloyds]

A Framework for Understanding the Vulnerabilities of New Money-Like Products (FRB)

The Federal Reserve (FRB) published a paper that introduces a framework for analyzing vulnerabilities in new money-like products by comparing them to money market funds (MMFs), which have well-documented risks. The authors examine five key features that contribute to vulnerabilities: liquidity transformation, threshold effects, moneyness (perceived safety and liquidity), contagion risks, and reactive investors. They apply this framework to three emerging products: money market ETFs (MMETFs), tokenized MMFs, and stablecoins. The analysis finds that MMETFs have similar liquidity transformation to MMFs but reduced threshold effects due to market pricing; tokenized MMFs largely mirror their underlying MMF vulnerabilities but could become more money-like if token transfers can effect ownership changes; and stablecoins present mixed risks, with the 2025 GENIUS Act likely to standardize payment stablecoins and align them more closely with MMF characteristics. The framework emphasizes that vulnerabilities arise from combinations of these features rather than individual attributes, and that as these novel products evolve and become more familiar to investors, their non-structural features—particularly their perceived moneyness and investor base composition—will likely shift significantly. [Source: FRB]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251229)

China to Pay Interest on Digital Yuan in Bid to Boost Adoption (Bloomberg)

China will begin paying interest on its digital yuan (E-CNY) starting January 1, 2026, as part of efforts to boost adoption of the central bank digital currency (CBDC). Commercial banks operating digital yuan wallets will pay interest based on holdings, giving the digital currency the same legal status as traditional bank deposits. However, the initiative faces challenges: interest rates on demand deposits at major Chinese banks are currently just 0.05%, and the digital yuan has struggled to compete with established payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay despite being piloted in over half of mainland provinces. [Source: Bloomberg]

Regulatory Responses to the Financial Stability Implications of Stablecoins (SSRN)

Ulrich Bindseil posted an updated version of his paper that examines the financial stability implications of stablecoin regulation, particularly regulations that prohibit remuneration to protect banks from deposit outflows. He argues that these particular regulations make stablecoin viability cyclically dependent on interest rates rather than addressing financial stability systematically. Additionally, the prohibition creates competitive distortions between European and U.S. stablecoin markets, because European Union (EU) regulations also prohibit stablecoin wallet providers from offering indirect returns, whereas U.S. regulations allow circumvention through third-party yield arrangements. This makes EU stablecoins relatively uncompetitive as stores of value. If protecting banks from deposit outflows is the goal, Bindseil proposes requiring stablecoin issuers to hold a proportion of reserves with the central bank at below-market rates. At the extreme, that proportion could be 100%, which would additionally reduce the risk of stablecoin runs. [Source: SSRN]

Lessons from Global CBDC Pioneers for Rwanda’s Next Leap (RBA)

The Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) published an analysis of pioneering central bank digital currency (CBDC) implementations in the Bahamas (Sand Dollar), Jamaica (JAM-DEX), and Nigeria (eNaira). Using quantitative pre- and post-launch data analysis, the study finds that theoretical fears of bank disintermediation did not materialize—commercial bank deposits actually grew significantly in all three countries after CBDC introduction. The research reveals that CBDC rollouts coincided with broader macroeconomic shifts including tighter monetary policy and economic rebounds, while direct effects on inflation remained statistically insignificant. However, the primary challenge across all cases was achieving widespread public adoption rather than financial instability, with uptake remaining extremely low despite technical readiness. The paper concludes that for Rwanda, currently in its CBDC Proof-of-Concept phase, success will depend less on mitigating theoretical risks and more on delivering a compelling value proposition that addresses the country’s specific challenges including limited smartphone ownership (34.3%), low internet access (29.8%), and the need for enhanced payment system resilience, financial inclusion, and reduced cross-border remittance costs. [Source: RBA]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251224)

Russian Ministry of Finance Approves Some Digital Ruble Payments for Government Budget Expenditures (MoF)

[December 18, 2025] The Russian government has approved a list of budget expenditures using the digital ruble starting January 1, 2026, reported on the website of the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The list includes social security payments, and salaries and other payments to staff, as well as expenses for capital construction, repair and maintenance of state-owned facilities. Also, the use of the digital ruble will become available for transfers to budgets and transfers of funds to federal institutions. Furthermore, from July 1, 2027, corresponding transactions with regional and local budgets, as well as transactions with extra-budgetary funds and recipients of funds, will become available. Payments from the budget will be made in digital rubles only if the recipients wish. [Source: Russian MoF]

South Korea to Test Distributing Government Subsidies in New CBDC Test Phase (Decenter)

The South Korean press is reporting that the Bank of Korea (BoK) is preparing to launch a new phase of its “Project Hangang River” wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, focusing on distributing government subsidies. A first three-month proof-of-concept phase with commercial banks, during which central bank authorities made it clear that it was actually testing tokenized deposits, reportedly ended in June 2025. Unfortunately the central bank itself has been silent on the project so we have to rely on press reports that are often short on details, like whether the purported second test will really be about wholesale CBDC or perhaps tokenized deposits again, or a hybrid in which tokenized deposits are settled in wholesale CBDC. [Source: Decenter]

European Council Agrees Position on the Digital Euro and on Strengthening the Role of Cash (European Council)

[December 19, 2025] The European Council released a 157-page document outlining its position on digital euro legislation, rejecting a proposal for an offline-only approach and insisting on both online and offline versions of the central bank digital currency (CBDC). While the digital euro is primarily intended for peer-to-peer and retail payments to reduce dependence on Visa and Mastercard, the Council envisions a broader scope including machine-to-machine payments for Industry 4.0, Web3 applications, and business-to-business conditional payments from the outset. The proposal also aims to safeguard acceptance of cash as a payment method throughout the euro area, and guarantee that people have access to cash and are free to choose their preferred payment method. It proposes to effectively ban non-acceptance of cash by retailers or service providers with a few exceptions, notably for payments for goods or services purchased at a distance, including online, and unmanned points of sale. [Source: European Council]

How New Regulations May Impact the Future of Stablecoins (CBPN)

Central Bank Payments News published an article by Ezechiel Copic that examines how new stablecoin regulations in the U.S. (GENIUS Act) and EU (MiCA) may impact the business models of stablecoin issuers. Both regulatory frameworks require 1:1 backing with high-quality liquid assets and prohibit interest payments to holders, but differ in prescribed asset allocations—the EU mandates 30-60% in bank deposits while the U.S. sets no specific limits. The analysis shows that while stablecoin issuers like Circle currently generate 95-99% of revenue from interest on reserve assets (primarily Treasury bills and reverse repos), they face significant interest rate risk as rates are expected to decline. However, projected growth in stablecoin supply to $1.4 trillion by 2030 could offset revenue losses from lower rates, resulting in modest revenue increases. The article concludes that Europe’s more prescriptive MiCA regulations may hinder stablecoin growth compared to the U.S. approach, and issuers may need to develop alternative revenue sources beyond reserve asset yields to maintain viable business models. [Source: CBPN]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251220)

European Council Gives Digital Euro the Provisional Green Light (European Council)

The Council of the European Union (“European Council”) has agreed on its positions on introducing a digital euro and clarifying the legal tender status of cash, for its negotiations with the European Parliament. The digital euro would complement physical cash, be backed by the European Central Bank (ECB), and available for payments across the euro area by potentially 2029, with limits on holdings to prevent it being used as a store of value and mandatory free basic services for consumers. Once the proposal to establish the legal framework is adopted by the European Parliament and Council, it will ultimately be for the ECB to decide whether to issue the digital euro. The second position aims to strengthen cash by effectively banning its non-acceptance by retailers (with exceptions for online and unmanned sales), requiring member states to monitor cash acceptance and access, and establishing cash resilience plans for electronic payment disruptions. The Council will now begin negotiations with the European Parliament on both regulations. [Source: European Council]

Federal Reserve Board Proposes Limited-Purpose “Payment Account” (FRB)

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board (FRB) is seeking public comment on a new “payment account” designed for eligible financial institutions to use specifically for clearing and settling payments. Unlike traditional master accounts, payment accounts, holders could only maintain limited overnight balances (lesser of $500 million or 10% of total assets), would receive no interest on balances, and would have no access to the discount window or intraday credit. These accounts would only support specific payment services (Fedwire Funds, FedNow, National Settlement Service, and Fedwire Securities free transfers) that have automated controls to prevent overdrafts, while excluding services like FedACH and check processing. The streamlined account is intended to reduce risks to the Federal Reserve system while providing faster access (generally within 90 days) for legally eligible institutions that primarily need payment clearing and settlement capabilities rather than full banking services. Notably, it does not widen eligibility standards beyond those already in place for regular master account access. [Source: FRB]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251216)

Ethiopia’s Central Bank Eyes Digital Birr (Capital Ethiopia)

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has reportedly initiated an exploratory review of potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) frameworks, aimed at understanding global digital currency developments rather than representing a commitment to implementation. The assessment is situated within Ethiopia’s draft National Digital Payments Strategy and Digital Ethiopia 2025 framework, though the central bank anticipates continued primacy of cash given the country’s substantial rural and informal economy. In February 2025, the Ethiopian Parliament passed into law National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) Proclamation No. 1359/2025, establishing a legal framework that permits the NBE to issue CBDC as legal tender. [Source: Capital Ethiopia]

PayPal Submits Applications to Establish an Industrial Bank (PayPal)

PayPal has filed applications with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish a Utah-chartered industrial loan company, to be called PayPal Bank. The proposed institution would focus on providing business lending services to U.S. small businesses, a market in which PayPal claims to have extended over $30 billion in credit to more than 420,000 business accounts globally since 2013. PayPal Bank would also offer interest-bearing savings accounts to customers and seek direct membership in card networks to support processing and settlement activities. The company cites operational efficiency and reduced reliance on third-party intermediaries as primary motivations. Customer deposits would receive FDIC insurance coverage subject to regulatory approval. [Source: PayPal]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251213)

OCC Announces Conditional Approvals for Five National Trust Bank Charter Applications (OCC)

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) conditionally approved national trust bank charter applications from five major crypto-asset companies. Circle (First National Digital Currency Bank) and Ripple National Trust Bank received de novo charters. BitGo Bank & Trust, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos Trust Company were converted from state trust companies to national trust banks. These firms will now be able to offer regulated crypto-asset services nationwide without navigating complex state-by-state licensing. “The OCC will continue to provide a path for both traditional and innovative approaches to financial services to ensure the federal banking system keeps pace with the evolution of finance and supports a modern economy.” [Source: OCC]

DTCC Authorized to Offer New Tokenization Service (DTCC)

Depository Trust Company (DTC) received a No-Action Letter from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), authorizing it to offer a tokenization service for real-world, DTC-custodied assets in a controlled production environment, with rollout expected in the second half of 2026. The three-year authorization covers highly liquid assets including Russell 1000 stocks, major index ETFs, and U.S. Treasury securities, allowing DTC to create digital versions with the same entitlements and protections as traditional assets. This milestone aims to enable 24/7 trading access, collateral mobility, and programmable assets while maintaining the same level of security and regulatory oversight, ultimately bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems through DTCC’s ComposerX platform suite. [Source: DTCC]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251202)

Operation Choke Point 2.0: Biden’s Debanking of Digital Assets (U.S. HCOFS)

The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services published an investigative report on “Operation Choke Point 2.0″—a coordinated effort by Biden Administration regulators to deny banking services to digital asset businesses and individuals. Through over 20 letters, thousands of documents, and two hearings, the Committee found that federal agencies (the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, and SEC) used informal guidance, “pause” letters, non-objection requirements, and enforcement actions to pressure banks into cutting off crypto firms, rather than establishing clear regulations. This approach resulted in at least 30 entities being debanked, stifled American innovation, and drove businesses overseas. [Source: U.S. HCOFS]

Rwanda: Digital Currency POC Set for Next Year (NBR)

The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) is planning to continue its e-FRW central bank digital currency (CBDC) proof-of-concept work in 2026. It will test technical feasibility, evaluate payment system integration, and develop recommendations for the legal framework prior to the overall technical design phase. These tests are being conducted in partnership with selected financial service providers, and the results will determine NBR’s next steps in the CBDC project. In all phases, consultation with the private sector and policy makers has been, and will be, emphasized. [Source: NBR]

Project Meridian Securities (BOE)

The Bank of England (BOE) published a summary of the findings of the Project Meridian Securities experiment that explored how synchronization can bridge traditional real-time gross settlement (RTGS) systems with tokenized securities platforms using distributed ledger technology (DLT). The project successfully demonstrated that synchronization enables atomic settlement in central bank money for tokenized securities transactions, allowing programmable features like automated repos and cross-platform liquidity management without requiring full infrastructure replacement. Key findings show that smart contracts can automate settlement workflows while maintaining the trust and safety of central bank money, supporting improved liquidity management and interoperability across diverse platforms. The experiments revealed that synchronization can extend programmability to traditional infrastructures cost-effectively, though questions remain about optimal architecture, scalability, and whether independent synchronization operators are needed in multi-platform environments. [Source: BOE]

How New Regulations Could Potentially Impact the Future of Stablecoins (VISA)

The VISA Economic Empowerment Institute published a report by Zeke Copic on how new stablecoin regulations across the US, EU, UAE, and Hong Kong are shaping the industry’s future. While all jurisdictions require 1:1 backing with high-quality liquid assets and prohibit interest payments to holders, the specific requirements vary—with the US GENIUS Act being more flexible than Europe’s MiCA regulation, which mandates 30-60% of reserves in bank deposits. Stablecoin issuers like Circle currently generate 95-99% of revenue from interest on reserve assets (primarily Treasury bills and reverse repos), making them highly vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations and counterparty risks, as demonstrated during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Although declining interest rates may reduce reserve income, projected growth in stablecoin supply (potentially reaching $1.6-3.7 trillion by 2030) could offset this impact, though issuers may need to develop alternative fee-based revenue streams to maintain viable business models under the new regulatory frameworks. [Source: VISA]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251119)

Global Crypto Rules for Banks Need Reworking, says Basel Chair (FT)

In an interview with the Financial Times (FT) the chair of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Erik Thedéen, has called for a reworking of global crypto rules for banks after the US and UK refused to adopt requirements imposing a 1,250% risk weighting on stablecoins and other digital assets that used permissionless blockchains. Thedéen noted that the sharp rise in stablecoin usage and differing regulatory stances have made it difficult to achieve consensus, prompting calls for a new approach. While the current Basel rules, originally focused on assets like bitcoin, would subject many stablecoins to the harshest capital requirements, major regulators such as the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have decided not to implement them in full. [Source: FT]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251111)

JPMorgan and DBS Bank Team Up on Cross-Border Tokenized Deposit Framework (CoinDesk)

JPMorgan and Singapore’s DBS Bank are collaborating to develop a cross-border tokenized deposit framework that will connect their respective blockchain payment systems, allowing institutional clients to transfer tokenized deposits in real time between both public and private blockchains. This initiative links DBS Token Services with JPMorgan’s Kinexys Digital Payments project, enabling interoperability and 24/7 settlement between banks without relying on traditional payment rails. The move aims to set new standards for interoperability in institutional digital payments, reflecting the global trend of major banks seeking seamless, cross-system digital deposit solutions. According to BIS, about a third of banks worldwide are now exploring or launching tokenized deposit innovations, signaling accelerating adoption in this area. [Source: CoinDesk]

Visa, Mastercard Reach $38 billion Swipe Fee Settlement, Draw Opposition (Reuters)

Visa and Mastercard have reached a revised $38 billion settlement with U.S. merchants, aiming to resolve two decades of litigation over antitrust violations and high card “swipe fees.” The deal would lower card processing fees by 0.1 percentage point for five years and grant merchants more control over card acceptance and surcharging, with standard consumer rates capped at 1.25% for eight years—a 25% drop. While Visa and Mastercard tout the relief for all merchants, especially smaller ones, major merchant groups like the National Retail Federation object, arguing the reforms don’t go far enough to address excessive fees and market power. The settlement replaces a previously rejected $30 billion accord and comes amid opposition from some merchant coalitions. Visa and Mastercard deny wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.​ [Source: Reuters]

Tokenization of Financial Assets (IOSCO)

IOSCO published a report on the tokenization of financial assets that assesses the adoption and implications of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in capital markets. It finds that while tokenization aims to drive efficiencies—such as fractionalization, programmability, and atomic settlement—the ecosystem remains nascent, with limited large-scale commercial adoption mostly seen in fixed income products and money market funds. Most lifecycle processes (issuance, trading, settlement, custody) continue to depend on conventional infrastructure due to challenges in DLT interoperability and credible on-chain settlement assets. The report highlights that risks from tokenization generally fit under existing legal and operational risk categories, but technology-specific risks (like smart contract bugs, cyber threats, and legal uncertainties around token ownership) may demand new controls. Regulators have mainly relied on existing, technology-neutral frameworks, sometimes complemented by specific guidance, sandboxes, or updated laws, as the economic substance of tokenized assets closely resembles traditional financial products. [Source: IOSCO]

Fast Payments in Latin America and the Caribbean (World Bank)

The World Bank published a report that analyzes new data on fast payments systems (FPS) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). FPSs are rapidly transforming digital finance in LAC, making digital transactions far faster, more affordable, and accessible. In the last eight years, fast payments grew from 2% to about 45% of all digital payments in LAC-11 countries, catalyzed especially by the COVID-19 pandemic and proactive central bank policies. Brazil’s Pix system stands out globally for per-adult transaction volume, demonstrating how open design, broad use cases, and regulatory support drive adoption. Most LAC nations now offer fast payments through varied models, with increasing central bank involvement. These systems deepen financial inclusion for those with accounts and can attract the unbanked, but further policy attention is needed to expand access. Challenges remain around interoperability, governance, fraud, and use-case diversification. The report recommends prioritizing open nonbank access, robust governance, broader use cases, enhanced fraud management, and alignment with digital public infrastructure for sustained impact and inclusion. [Source: World Bank]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Cedi@60 Anniversary Currency Conference (Accra, Ghana, November 17-20) hosted by the Bank of Ghana, in partnership with Currency Research, will celebrate 60 years of the Ghanaian Cedi, bringing together leaders from across Africa and beyond to reflect on the currency’s legacy and chart its digital future. Learn about Ghana’s eCedi pilot and the future of sovereign digital currencies in Africa, and engage with innovators driving mobile money, QR code payments, and financial inclusion across the region. [Register here and get 15% off by using the Kiffmeister15 code!]

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.

Kiffmeister’s #Fintech Daily Digest (20251110)

Proposed Regulatory Regime for Sterling-Denominated Systemic Stablecoins (BOE)

The Bank of England (BOE) published a consultation paper that outlines its proposed regulatory regime for sterling-denominated systemic stablecoins, digital assets that could pose risks to UK financial stability if widely used for payments. The regime would require systemic stablecoin issuers to hold at least 40% of their backing assets as non-interest-bearing BOE deposits and up to 60% in short-term UK government debt. Issuers must meet robust capital and reserve requirements, with reserves held in trust for holders to protect against market and insolvency risks. Individuals would be subject to £20,000 per-coin holding limits, and businesses to £10 million limits, although retail businesses and intermediaries servicing retail customers (such as crypto-asset trading platforms) could be exempted. Systemic stablecoins would be supervised jointly by the BOE and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), but only after HM Treasury (HMT) formally recognizes a stablecoin or its issuer as systemically important. Non-systemic stablecoins (not widely used) will face solo FCA regulation. This consultation closes on February 10, 2026. After considering stakeholder feedback, the BOE will develop and consult on the detailed Codes of Practice in 2026, with finalized rules expected thereafter. [Source: BOE]

Blockchain Price Oracles: Accuracy and Violation Recovery (JoCF)

The Journal of Corporate Finance (JoCF) published a paper that analyzes the accuracy and risk management of blockchain-based price oracles, focusing on Chainlink Price Feeds (CPFs) as the dominant oracle infrastructure for decentralized finance (DeFi), particularly collateralized lending protocols. The authors compile a dataset of over 150 million CPF price observations on Ethereum and match them to centralized exchange benchmarks, estimating how price deviations are shaped by oracle design, reporter behavior, and market conditions. Employing econometric models, they find that CPF price deviations average 57 basis points, and that tighter update parameters and faster heartbeats improve accuracy, while volatility and trading volume increase deviations. A Markov framework reveals most accuracy violations resolve within minutes, with severity and duration affecting the odds of recovery. The study also analyzes user behavior in leading DeFi lending markets, showing that improved oracle accuracy allows users to optimize collateral buffers more effectively, enhancing capital efficiency but with varied effects by user sophistication and asset type. [Source: JoCF]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Cedi@60 Anniversary Currency Conference (Accra, Ghana, November 17-20) hosted by the Bank of Ghana, in partnership with Currency Research, will celebrate 60 years of the Ghanaian Cedi, bringing together leaders from across Africa and beyond to reflect on the currency’s legacy and chart its digital future. Learn about Ghana’s eCedi pilot and the future of sovereign digital currencies in Africa, and engage with innovators driving mobile money, QR code payments, and financial inclusion across the region. [Register here and get 15% off by using the Kiffmeister15 code!]

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.